Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews (34) skates up the ice against the Coyotes during the first period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019. Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews (34) skates up the ice against the Coyotes during the first period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019.
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Coyotes' Ilya Lyubushkin (46) turns against the defense of Maple Leafs' Tyler Ennis (63) during the first period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019. Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Coyotes' Ilya Lyubushkin (46) turns against the defense of Maple Leafs' Tyler Ennis (63) during the first period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019.
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Maple Leafs' William Nylander (29) looks for teammates against a charging Coyotes' Alex Goligoski (33) during the first period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019. Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Maple Leafs' William Nylander (29) looks for teammates against a charging Coyotes' Alex Goligoski (33) during the first period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019.
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews (34) skates up against Coyotes' Alex Goligoski (33) during the first period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019. Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews (34) skates up against Coyotes' Alex Goligoski (33) during the first period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019.
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews (34) skates up against Coyotes' Alex Goligoski (33) during the first period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019. Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews (34) skates up against Coyotes' Alex Goligoski (33) during the first period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019.
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Maple Leafs' Connor Brown (28) shoots against Coyotes' Alex Goligoski (33) during the first period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019. Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Maple Leafs' Connor Brown (28) shoots against Coyotes' Alex Goligoski (33) during the first period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019.
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Coyotes' Oliver Ekman-Larsson (23) waits for a puck to drop during the first period against the Maple Leafs at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019. Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Coyotes' Oliver Ekman-Larsson (23) waits for a puck to drop during the first period against the Maple Leafs at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019.
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Coyotes' Jordan Weal (10) skates toward goalie Darcy Kuemper (35) during the first period against the Maple Leafs at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019. Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Coyotes' Jordan Weal (10) skates toward goalie Darcy Kuemper (35) during the first period against the Maple Leafs at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019.
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews (34) passes against the Coyotes' Lawson Crouse (67) and Niklas Hjalmarsson (4) during the first period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019. Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews (34) passes against the Coyotes' Lawson Crouse (67) and Niklas Hjalmarsson (4) during the first period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019.
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews (34) skates up against Coyotes' Alex Goligoski (33) during the first period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019. Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews (34) skates up against Coyotes' Alex Goligoski (33) during the first period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019.
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews (34) waits for a face off during the first period against the Coyotes at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019. Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews (34) waits for a face off during the first period against the Coyotes at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019.
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews (34) waits for a face off during the first period against the Coyotes at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019. Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews (34) waits for a face off during the first period against the Coyotes at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019.
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews (34) skates up the ice against the Coyotes during the first period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019. Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews (34) skates up the ice against the Coyotes during the first period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019.
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Maple Leafs' John Tavares shoots against Coyotes' goalie Darcy Kuemper (35) during the first period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019. Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Maple Leafs' John Tavares shoots against Coyotes' goalie Darcy Kuemper (35) during the first period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019.
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews (34) shoots against Coyotes' goalie Darcy Kuemper (35) during the first period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019. Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews (34) shoots against Coyotes' goalie Darcy Kuemper (35) during the first period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019.
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Coyotes' Ilya Lyubushkin (46) skates up the ice against Maple Leafs' Connor Brown (28) during the first period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019. Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Coyotes' Ilya Lyubushkin (46) skates up the ice against Maple Leafs' Connor Brown (28) during the first period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019.
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Coyotes' Ilya Lyubushkin (46) skates up the ice against Maple Leafs' Connor Brown (28) during the first period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019. Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Coyotes' Ilya Lyubushkin (46) skates up the ice against Maple Leafs' Connor Brown (28) during the first period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019.
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews (34) skates up the ice against the Coyotes during the first period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019. Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews (34) skates up the ice against the Coyotes during the first period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019.
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews (34) skates up the ice against the Coyotes during the first period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019. Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews (34) skates up the ice against the Coyotes during the first period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019.
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Coyotes' Alex Goligoski (33) and Maple Leafs' Patrick Marleau (12) during the first period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019. Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Coyotes' Alex Goligoski (33) and Maple Leafs' Patrick Marleau (12) during the first period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019.
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Coyotes' Alex Galchenyuk (17) celebrates a goal with teammate Nick Cousins (25) during the second period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019. Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Coyotes' Alex Galchenyuk (17) celebrates a goal with teammate Nick Cousins (25) during the second period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019.
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Coyotes' Clayton Keller (9) skates against Maple Leafs' Mitchell Marner (16) during the second period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019. Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Coyotes' Clayton Keller (9) skates against Maple Leafs' Mitchell Marner (16) during the second period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019.
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Maple Leafs' Travis Dermott (23) knocks Coyotes' Nick Cousins to the ice as he attempts to make a pass during the second period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019. Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Maple Leafs' Travis Dermott (23) knocks Coyotes' Nick Cousins to the ice as he attempts to make a pass during the second period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019.
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Coyotes' Brad Richardson (15) shoots against Maple Leafs' Morgan Rielly (44) during the second period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019. Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Coyotes' Brad Richardson (15) shoots against Maple Leafs' Morgan Rielly (44) during the second period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019.
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Maple Leafs' Mitchell Marner (16) dives and knocks a puck loose from Coyotes' Derek Stepan (21) during the second period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019. Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Maple Leafs' Mitchell Marner (16) dives and knocks a puck loose from Coyotes' Derek Stepan (21) during the second period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019.
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Coyotes' Brad Richardson (15) and Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews (34) skate for a loose puck during the second period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019. Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Coyotes' Brad Richardson (15) and Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews (34) skate for a loose puck during the second period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019.
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Maple Leafs' Mitchell Marner (16) dives and knocks a puck loose from Coyotes' Derek Stepan (21) during the second period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019. Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Maple Leafs' Mitchell Marner (16) dives and knocks a puck loose from Coyotes' Derek Stepan (21) during the second period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019.
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Coyotes' Clayton Keller (9) skates against Maple Leafs' Zach Hyman (11) during the second period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019. Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Coyotes' Clayton Keller (9) skates against Maple Leafs' Zach Hyman (11) during the second period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019.
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Coyotes' Brad Richardson (15) and Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews (34) skate for a loose puck during the second period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019. Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Coyotes' Brad Richardson (15) and Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews (34) skate for a loose puck during the second period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019.
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Coyotes' Josh Archibald (45) celebrates his goal with teammates Derek Stepan (21) and Lawson Crouse (67) during the second period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019. Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Coyotes' Josh Archibald (45) celebrates his goal with teammates Derek Stepan (21) and Lawson Crouse (67) during the second period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019.
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Coyotes' Brad Richardson (15) skates against Maple Leafs' Nikita Zaitsev (22) during the second period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019. Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Coyotes' Brad Richardson (15) skates against Maple Leafs' Nikita Zaitsev (22) during the second period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019.
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Coyotes' Josh Archibald (45) celebrates his goal with teammates Derek Stepan (21) and Lawson Crouse (67) during the second period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019. Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Coyotes' Josh Archibald (45) celebrates his goal with teammates Derek Stepan (21) and Lawson Crouse (67) during the second period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019.
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Coyotes' Alex Galchenyuk (17) scores against Maple Leafs' goalie Frederik Anderson (31) during the second period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019. Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Coyotes' Alex Galchenyuk (17) scores against Maple Leafs' goalie Frederik Anderson (31) during the second period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019.
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Coyotes' Josh Archibald (45) celebrates his goal with teammates Derek Stepan (21) and Lawson Crouse (67) during the second period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019. Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Coyotes' Josh Archibald (45) celebrates his goal with teammates Derek Stepan (21) and Lawson Crouse (67) during the second period at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Ariz. on February 16, 2019.
Patrick Breen, Patrick Breen/The Republic

Arizona Coyotes goaltender Darcy Kuemper (35) gets hit on the helmet by St. Louis Blues left wing Alexander Steen (20) during the third period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Feb. 14, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. The Blues won 4-0. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin) Ross D. Franklin, AP

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Arizona Coyotes goaltender Darcy Kuemper (35) gets hit on the helmet by St. Louis Blues left wing Alexander Steen (20) during the third period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Feb. 14, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. The Blues won 4-0. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Ross D. Franklin, AP

Arizona Coyotes goaltender Darcy Kuemper (35) gets hit on the helmet by St. Louis Blues left wing Alexander Steen (20) during the third period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Feb. 14, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. The Blues won 4-0. Ross D. Franklin, AP

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Arizona Coyotes goaltender Darcy Kuemper (35) gets hit on the helmet by St. Louis Blues left wing Alexander Steen (20) during the third period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Feb. 14, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. The Blues won 4-0.
Ross D. Franklin, AP

Arizona Coyotes defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson (4) sends St. Louis Blues right wing Vladimir Tarasenko (91) to the ice during the second period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Feb. 14, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. Ross D. Franklin, AP

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Arizona Coyotes defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson (4) sends St. Louis Blues right wing Vladimir Tarasenko (91) to the ice during the second period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Feb. 14, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz.
Ross D. Franklin, AP

St. Louis Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington (50) makes a save on a shot by Arizona Coyotes center Clayton Keller (9) as Blues defenseman Robert Bortuzzo (41) and center Ryan O'Reilly (90) try to block the shot during the second period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Feb. 14, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. Ross D. Franklin, AP

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

St. Louis Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington (50) makes a save on a shot by Arizona Coyotes center Clayton Keller (9) as Blues defenseman Robert Bortuzzo (41) and center Ryan O'Reilly (90) try to block the shot during the second period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Feb. 14, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz.
Ross D. Franklin, AP

Arizona Coyotes goaltender Darcy Kuemper (35) makes a save on a shot by St. Louis Blues left wing Pat Maroon (7) as Coyotes defenseman Kevin Connauton (44) applies pressure during the first period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Feb. 14, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. Ross D. Franklin, AP

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Arizona Coyotes goaltender Darcy Kuemper (35) makes a save on a shot by St. Louis Blues left wing Pat Maroon (7) as Coyotes defenseman Kevin Connauton (44) applies pressure during the first period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Feb. 14, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz.
Ross D. Franklin, AP

St. Louis Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington (50) makes a save on a shot by Arizona Coyotes right wing Conor Garland (83) during the first period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Feb. 14, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. Ross D. Franklin, AP

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

St. Louis Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington (50) makes a save on a shot by Arizona Coyotes right wing Conor Garland (83) during the first period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Feb. 14, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz.
Ross D. Franklin, AP

St. Louis Blues defenseman Joel Edmundson (6) sends the puck past Arizona Coyotes goaltender Darcy Kuemper (35) for a goal during the first period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Feb. 14, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. Ross D. Franklin, AP

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

St. Louis Blues defenseman Joel Edmundson (6) sends the puck past Arizona Coyotes goaltender Darcy Kuemper (35) for a goal during the first period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Feb. 14, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz.
Ross D. Franklin, AP

Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury (29) makes a save against the Arizona Coyotes during the first period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2019, in Las Vegas. John Locher/AP

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury (29) makes a save against the Arizona Coyotes during the first period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2019, in Las Vegas.
John Locher/AP

Arizona Coyotes defenseman Kevin Connauton (44) vies for the puck with Vegas Golden Knights left wing Max Pacioretty (67) during the first period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2019, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher) John Locher, AP

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Arizona Coyotes defenseman Kevin Connauton (44) vies for the puck with Vegas Golden Knights left wing Max Pacioretty (67) during the first period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2019, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
John Locher, AP

Arizona Coyotes goaltender Darcy Kuemper (35) grabs a puck out of the air beside Vegas Golden Knights left wing Max Pacioretty (67) during the first period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2019, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher) John Locher, AP

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Arizona Coyotes goaltender Darcy Kuemper (35) grabs a puck out of the air beside Vegas Golden Knights left wing Max Pacioretty (67) during the first period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2019, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
John Locher, AP

Arizona Coyotes defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson (4) watches the puck after Arizona Coyotes goaltender Darcy Kuemper (35) made a save during the first period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2019, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher) John Locher, AP

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Arizona Coyotes defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson (4) watches the puck after Arizona Coyotes goaltender Darcy Kuemper (35) made a save during the first period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2019, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
John Locher, AP

Arizona Coyotes center Alex Galchenyuk (17) slides into the net after scoring against Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury (29) during the second period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2019, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher) John Locher, AP

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Arizona Coyotes center Alex Galchenyuk (17) slides into the net after scoring against Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury (29) during the second period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2019, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
John Locher, AP

Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury (29) is scored on by the Arizona Coyotes during the second period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2019, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher) John Locher, AP

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury (29) is scored on by the Arizona Coyotes during the second period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2019, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
John Locher, AP

Arizona Coyotes defenseman Kyle Capobianco reacts after getting checked during the third period of the team's NHL hockey game against the Columbus Blue Jackets, Thursday, Feb. 7, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. Capobianco left the game.Columbus won 4-2. Rick Scuteri, AP

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Arizona Coyotes defenseman Kyle Capobianco reacts after getting checked during the third period of the team's NHL hockey game against the Columbus Blue Jackets, Thursday, Feb. 7, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. Capobianco left the game.Columbus won 4-2.
Rick Scuteri, AP

Columbus Blue Jackets center Boone Jenner (38) scores a goal in front of Arizona Coyotes center Derek Stepan during the third period during an NHL hockey game Thursday, Feb. 7, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. Columbus won 4-2. Rick Scuteri, AP

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Columbus Blue Jackets center Boone Jenner (38) scores a goal in front of Arizona Coyotes center Derek Stepan during the third period during an NHL hockey game Thursday, Feb. 7, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. Columbus won 4-2.
Rick Scuteri, AP

Arizona Coyotes defenseman Jordan Oesterle (82) celebrates after scoring a goal in the second period during an NHL hockey game against the Columbus Blue Jackets, Thursday, Feb. 7, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. Rick Scuteri, AP

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Arizona Coyotes defenseman Jordan Oesterle (82) celebrates after scoring a goal in the second period during an NHL hockey game against the Columbus Blue Jackets, Thursday, Feb. 7, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz.
Rick Scuteri, AP

Arizona Coyotes right wing Conor Garland (83) celebrates after scoring a goal in the second period during an NHL hockey game against the Columbus Blue Jackets, Thursday, Feb. 7, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. Rick Scuteri, AP

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Arizona Coyotes right wing Conor Garland (83) celebrates after scoring a goal in the second period during an NHL hockey game against the Columbus Blue Jackets, Thursday, Feb. 7, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz.
Rick Scuteri, AP

Arizona Coyotes defenseman Jordan Oesterle (82) scores a goal in the second period during an NHL hockey game against the Columbus Blue Jackets, Thursday, Feb. 7, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. Rick Scuteri, AP

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Arizona Coyotes defenseman Jordan Oesterle (82) scores a goal in the second period during an NHL hockey game against the Columbus Blue Jackets, Thursday, Feb. 7, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz.
Rick Scuteri, AP

Dallas Stars center Radek Faksa (12) skates for the puck against Arizona Coyotes right wing Richard Panik (14) during the first period of an NHL hockey game in Dallas, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019. LM Otero/AP

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Dallas Stars center Radek Faksa (12) skates for the puck against Arizona Coyotes right wing Richard Panik (14) during the first period of an NHL hockey game in Dallas, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019.
LM Otero/AP

Arizona Coyotes defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson (23) celebrates his goal with teammates Nick Cousins (25) and Jordan Oesterle (82) during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Dallas Stars in Dallas, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019. (AP Photo/LM Otero) LM Otero/AP

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Arizona Coyotes defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson (23) celebrates his goal with teammates Nick Cousins (25) and Jordan Oesterle (82) during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Dallas Stars in Dallas, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019. (AP Photo/LM Otero)
LM Otero/AP

Arizona Coyotes goaltender Darcy Kuemper defends the goal during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Dallas Stars in Dallas, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019. (AP Photo/LM Otero) LM Otero/AP

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Arizona Coyotes goaltender Darcy Kuemper defends the goal during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Dallas Stars in Dallas, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019. (AP Photo/LM Otero)
LM Otero/AP

Arizona Coyotes defenseman Alex Goligoski (33) and Dallas Stars left wing Jamie Benn (14) vied for control of the puck during the first period of an NHL hockey game in Dallas, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019. (AP Photo/LM Otero) LM Otero/AP

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Arizona Coyotes defenseman Alex Goligoski (33) and Dallas Stars left wing Jamie Benn (14) vied for control of the puck during the first period of an NHL hockey game in Dallas, Monday, Feb. 4, 2019. (AP Photo/LM Otero)
LM Otero/AP

San Jose Sharks goaltender Martin Jones (31) blocks a shot from Arizona Coyotes center Alex Galchenyuk (17) during the second period of an NHL hockey game in San Jose, Calif., Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. Tony Avelar, AP

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

San Jose Sharks goaltender Martin Jones (31) blocks a shot from Arizona Coyotes center Alex Galchenyuk (17) during the second period of an NHL hockey game in San Jose, Calif., Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019.
Tony Avelar, AP

San Jose Sharks center Joe Pavelski (8) scores a goal past Arizona Coyotes goaltender Darcy Kuemper during the second period of an NHL hockey game in San Jose, Calif., Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. Tony Avelar, AP

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

San Jose Sharks center Joe Pavelski (8) scores a goal past Arizona Coyotes goaltender Darcy Kuemper during the second period of an NHL hockey game in San Jose, Calif., Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019.
Tony Avelar, AP

Arizona Coyotes right wing Richard Panik (14) moves the puck past San Jose Sharks right wing Kevin Labanc (62) during the second period of an NHL hockey game in San Jose, Calif., Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. Tony Avelar, AP

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Arizona Coyotes right wing Richard Panik (14) moves the puck past San Jose Sharks right wing Kevin Labanc (62) during the second period of an NHL hockey game in San Jose, Calif., Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019.
Tony Avelar, AP

Arizona Coyotes right wing Conor Garland (83) celebrates after scoring a goal against the San Jose Sharks during the second period of an NHL hockey game in San Jose, Calif., Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. Tony Avelar, AP

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Arizona Coyotes right wing Conor Garland (83) celebrates after scoring a goal against the San Jose Sharks during the second period of an NHL hockey game in San Jose, Calif., Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019.
Tony Avelar, AP

San Jose Sharks right wing Timo Meier (28) chases after the puck against Arizona Coyotes defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson (23) during the first period of an NHL hockey game in San Jose, Calif., Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. Tony Avelar, AP

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

San Jose Sharks right wing Timo Meier (28) chases after the puck against Arizona Coyotes defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson (23) during the first period of an NHL hockey game in San Jose, Calif., Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019.
Tony Avelar, AP

Arizona Coyotes goaltender Darcy Kuemper (35) blocks a shot from San Jose Sharks center Joe Pavelski (8) during the first period of an NHL hockey game in San Jose, Calif., Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. Tony Avelar, AP

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Arizona Coyotes goaltender Darcy Kuemper (35) blocks a shot from San Jose Sharks center Joe Pavelski (8) during the first period of an NHL hockey game in San Jose, Calif., Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019.
Tony Avelar, AP

San Jose Sharks right wing Timo Meier (28) moves the puck between Arizona Coyotes center Nick Cousins (25) and Alex Galchenyuk (17) during the first period of an NHL hockey game in San Jose, Calif., Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. Tony Avelar, AP

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

San Jose Sharks right wing Timo Meier (28) moves the puck between Arizona Coyotes center Nick Cousins (25) and Alex Galchenyuk (17) during the first period of an NHL hockey game in San Jose, Calif., Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019.
Tony Avelar, AP

Arizona Coyotes defenseman Kevin Connauton (44) battles for the puck against San Jose Sharks right wing Joonas Donskoi (27) during the first period of an NHL hockey game in San Jose, Calif., Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. Tony Avelar, AP

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Arizona Coyotes defenseman Kevin Connauton (44) battles for the puck against San Jose Sharks right wing Joonas Donskoi (27) during the first period of an NHL hockey game in San Jose, Calif., Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019.
Tony Avelar, AP

Arizona Coyotes defenseman Jordan Oesterle (82) is checked into the boards by San Jose Sharks right wing Barclay Goodrow (23) during the first period of an NHL hockey game in San Jose, Calif., Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. Tony Avelar, AP

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Arizona Coyotes defenseman Jordan Oesterle (82) is checked into the boards by San Jose Sharks right wing Barclay Goodrow (23) during the first period of an NHL hockey game in San Jose, Calif., Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019.
Tony Avelar, AP

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Arizona Coyotes center Alex Galchenyuk (17) checks Montreal Canadiens defenseman Shea Weber (6) into the boards during the first period of an NHL hockey game Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2019, in Montreal. Ryan Remiorz/AP

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Arizona Coyotes center Alex Galchenyuk (17) checks Montreal Canadiens defenseman Shea Weber (6) into the boards during the first period of an NHL hockey game Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2019, in Montreal.
Ryan Remiorz/AP

Arizona Coyotes defenseman Jordan Oesterle (82) is checked by Montreal Canadiens left wing Nicolas Deslauriers (20) during the first period of an NHL hockey game Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2019, in Montreal. Ryan Remiorz/AP

Photos: Arizona Coyotes season – 2018-19

Arizona Coyotes defenseman Jordan Oesterle (82) is checked by Montreal Canadiens left wing Nicolas Deslauriers (20) during the first period of an NHL hockey game Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2019, in Montreal.
Ryan Remiorz/AP

In less than six weeks since making his NHL debut, the Coyotes’ 22-year-old rookie has already begun capturing the hearts of hockey fans in the Valley with his hard-nosed style of play and penchant for scoring unorthodox goals.

Coyotes forward Conor Garland celebrates his second goal of the night against the Oilers during a game Jan. 12.(Photo11: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports)

A fiery competitor with a diminutive frame, Garland has all the makings of an Arizona fan favorite.

He’s the type of player who doesn’t need a stick to score goals. The type of player who seems to bleed as much as he sweats. The type of player whose work ethic can and does have a positive impact on his teammates.

“You look at his goals and he’s 6-7 feet from the net,” Coyotes head coach Rick Tocchet said. “The puck is going there and it’s going off whatever body part, and they’re laughing about it but he’s doing a nice job of going to those areas and getting rewarded. We have some guys on our team that have to take a page out of that. … Conor Garland is a good story for guys to understand. That’s something we’ve preached around here, but now it’s just a matter of doing.

“... Anybody who comes to the game and sees some small kid winning battles, going to the net, getting hit, getting up and scoring a goal — how could you not love that?”

Given recent events, one could say Garland (eight goals in 11 games) has provided a face-lift to a Coyotes team fighting for a playoff spot amid an ever growing list of injuries.

Garland scored twice in Saturday’s 3-1 win over Edmonton to give him his second two-goal game over a three-game stretch. On a night where the Coyotes were visitors at Rogers Arena, even Garland probably didn’t envision himself being the most productive Con(n)or on the ice (See: Edmonton Oilers, Connor McDavid).

If Tocchet and his staff had given Garland directions to “use his head” more, Garland took the assignment too literally — as the rookie scored his first goal of the game courtesy of a puck that deflected off the side of his face and into the net.

Garland, who immediately fell to the ice as blood rushed out of his face, didn’t even realize he had scored the go-ahead goal until he was on his way to the training room. He received several stitches and was back on the bench before the period had ended. The goal went viral during and after Saturday’s game, and even made major network TV highlight reels during a weekend dominated by the NFL playoffs.

Conor Garland has a cut tended to after deflecting a shot into the net during a game Jan. 12 against the Oilers.(Photo11: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports)

“I had a lot of texts,” said Garland, whose eye swelled so bad after the game that he did not have full vision when he woke up Sunday morning in Calgary. “I don’t have Twitter or anything, but people told me it was all over (social media). I saw it enough. I knew it was kind of going around there, but we played the next day.”

After the Oilers had tied the game, Garland used another appendage to put the Coyotes ahead for good in the third period. With Arizona on a power play, Clayton Keller ripped a shot wide and the puck returned to the front of the net and bounced off Garland's skate as he drove hard at the crease, giving him his second goal of the night — and his second game-winning goal of the season.

“It’s hard to do, don’t get me wrong, but you see Conor Garland smiling after the game,” Tocchet said of Garland’s willingness to drive to the net. “Yeah, he’s got 10 stitches but he’s smiling. That’s going to the net and he wins us the game because of it. There’s a reward because of it and it’s nice to see.”

But Garland, a former fifth-round pick, isn’t just a poster boy for a league whose forwards continue to grow smaller and skate faster. He embodies those things, sure, but Garland’s hard-nosed game features what is becoming a lost art in today’s NHL.

He’s a player after his coach’s own heart, as Tocchet boasts his fair share of scars from hard-earned goals from his own playing days.

“Do you see this face?” Tocchet joked when asked if he’s scored in similar ways. “I’ve got a million. I’m deadly 3 feet in.”

Conor Garland gathers the puck in front of the net before scoring on the Devils during a game Jan. 4 at Gila River Arena.(Photo11: Rob Schumacher/The Republic)

For as much success Garland has had driving to the net and working in the dirty areas of the ice, one would think the rookie has always played this way.

That couldn’t be further from the truth.

As an amateur and during his first few seasons with the Coyotes’ AHL affiliate in Tucson, Garland was a perimeter player who had no interest in sacrificing his body in front of the net. But that changed when the goals stopped coming.

“I was never really a player who went to the net,” Garland said. “In juniors and my first couple years of pro, I was someone who just relied on my skating and skill to make plays. I was on the perimeter, outside of the crease and never really wanted to go in there and work.”

Crediting a sobering conversation with the Roadrunners coaching staff last season to his resurgence as a player, Garland saw immediate results after he began engaging in the dirty areas. Given the way it's continued to work at the NHL level, Garland doesn’t plan on stopping anytime soon — and fans should be happy with that.

Coyotes rookie Conor Garland sports a black-eye in warm ups before a game against the Sharks on Jan. 16 at Gila River Arena.(Photo11: Rob Schumacher/The Republic)

“I just want to work hard every game, compete and try to win every game,” Garland said. “If they (the fans) appreciate that and they like that, it’s something I’m going to keep doing no matter what. … It’s way more exhausting and it’s hard work.

“It’s not as fun as playing on the outside and throwing sauce, but I want to be in the NHL and I want to be here forever. I’ll keep doing what I have to do.”